When I decided to finally take a break from working in a 24/7 newsroom and live my life at a slower pace, I knew that I had to travel, volunteer and catch up with my inner self. So, in June this year, after quitting my job, I decided to stay in Dharamshala for a while and volunteer as a writer for Contact. During my short stay at McLeod Ganj, I was inspired by the compassionate and ever-smiling Tibetan community.
I continued volunteering as a writer for Contact. The stories that I got to write and the research that I did strengthened my love and respect for the Tibetan community and helped me build a deeper understanding about the struggles of an entire nation living in exile and oppression. Writing stories about the people of Tibet gave me a new perspective towards life. It taught me that true strength lies in being compassionate and kind and in not letting oppressive forces and injustice impact your peace of mind. As His Holiness says, “The root of peace of mind is compassion.” It is amazing to see the unwavering dedication of Tibetans towards non-violent activism in the face of a violent oppressor.
As a writer for Contact, I discovered facts that previously seemed like fiction and now I somehow feel strongly connected with Tibet and its people. Researching for stories and learning about the culture instilled in me a feeling of hope. I am truly grateful for this experience. Tibet deserves to be free and I will always stand as a supporter.
Living in Delhi, I often get to interact with the Tibetan community and the warmth I receive from those kind faces each time, I will cherish it forever. I want to thank Contact from the bottom of my heart for bringing me closer to this beautiful community.